I first heard about Seoul Art Space
Geumcheon (SASG) from a fellow curator who recommended the new curatorial
residency as I was looking for a location in South Korea to conduct research.
Upon arriving at the space which is housed in a recently renovated factory
complete with an adjacent warehouse, I was impressed at the extensive
facilities provided to the residents that included a new media lab, a lecture
room that can be used for presentations or screenings, a gallery on the top
floor, and the large warehouse that doubles as a workshop with a wide range of
machines that can also be utilized as an exhibition space.
The diverse inhabitants at the residency
were composed of a mixture of international artists and Korean artists.
Together they formed a critical community that was primarily engaged in the
ongoing social, political and economic transformations.
A large kitchen shared by the all of the
residents was a central meeting point for sharing a conversation, coffee or
meal. The complex also had a number of other common areas which provide a
variety of spaces to meet. The staff works onsite and was always very helpful
and attentive to the needs of the residents. While I was there they also
invited me to a number of museum and gallery openings, and provided numerous
introductions to assist me in my research.
The artists' studios are spacious and
international residents are provided with both a room and a separate studio.
The accommodation for curators consist of a live – in studio which is modest
but ample.
SASG is located in a mixed industrial and
residential neighborhood that at one time was a center for small-scale
manufacturing. I found most basic necissities were a short walk away. Accessing
the rest of Seoul is easy as there are two metro lines close to the center.
Overall my stay at SASG was a memorable and
productive experience. The staff and the artistic practices that converge at
the space make this one of the most interesting residencies in Asia.
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
2011 State of Unrest: Northern Iraq, London, no.w.here.
2010 4th Biennial of Young Artists – Police the Police, Bucharest
2009 International Guerrilla Video Festival, Dublin
2008 International Guerrilla Video Festival, Milan
